3 John 1:11 — Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.
Extended Explanation
In this verse, John is giving Gaius — and all of us — a clear and simple command: Don’t copy evil behavior. Instead, follow what is good. John had just warned about Diotrephes, a man who was acting selfishly, spreading lies, and rejecting other believers. Now John is saying: Don’t be like him.
John reminds us that our actions reveal who we belong to. People who consistently do good — who live with kindness, truth, and love — are showing that they know God. On the other hand, people who keep doing evil are showing that they don’t really know God at all. Their lives reveal their hearts.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about the direction of your life. If your life shows love, truth, and goodness, it shows that you’re walking with God. If it shows selfishness, lies, and pride, it reveals distance from God.
Historical Context
John is writing to Gaius in a time when the early church was facing challenges from false teachers, power-hungry leaders, and division. Some people, like Gaius, were faithful and loving. Others, like Diotrephes, were proud and destructive.
In this context, John is urging believers to choose wisely who they follow and imitate. In a time when people were watching the behavior of church leaders, it was easy to copy bad examples. John is telling them — and us — to keep our eyes on the right kind of example.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that faith and action are connected. What we do reflects what we truly believe and who we truly know. It reminds us that knowing God isn’t just about words or beliefs — it shows up in how we live.
It also teaches that goodness and evil are not neutral choices. They show whether someone’s life is connected to God or far from Him.
Literary Analysis
John writes with affection and clarity here. He starts with “Dear friend,” showing that this is personal, not just a rule. The sentence is short but weighty. The command is simple: Don’t imitate evil, imitate good. But the reason behind it is deep — because our actions reveal whether we truly know God.
The verse divides people into two clear groups: those who do good and those who do evil. John’s writing style here is straightforward and firm, but caring.
Cross-References
- Matthew 7:16-20 — Jesus teaches that you can recognize people by their fruit (their actions).
- Ephesians 5:1-2 — “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love.”
- 1 John 3:10 — John says the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: those who do what is right belong to God.
- Titus 2:7-8 — Encourages believers to set an example by doing good.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a simple but strong call to live differently. It reminds us to be careful about the examples we follow — whether it’s church leaders, public figures, or people close to us. We are not called to imitate selfishness, pride, or dishonesty, even if it seems easier or more popular.
Instead, we are called to imitate goodness. That goodness is not something we produce on our own; it comes from knowing God and walking with Him.
This verse is also a reminder to look at our own lives. What do our actions say about who we know and what we believe?
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love because He doesn’t leave us guessing about what’s right and wrong. He lovingly warns us not to follow evil and invites us to live in a way that reflects His goodness.
God’s love shows up in how He teaches, corrects, and encourages His people to walk in the truth.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the perfect example of what is good. His entire life — from serving others to laying down His life on the cross — showed God’s goodness in action.
In John 13:15, Jesus said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
This verse in 3 John is calling us to follow that example — to live in a way that reflects Jesus.
Jesus also warned in Matthew 7:21-23 that not everyone who claims to know Him really does. It’s not about words; it’s about a life shaped by knowing Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Who are the people you tend to imitate? Are they living in a way that honors God?
- What does your life reveal about your relationship with God?
- How can you make sure you are following the example of Jesus in your daily actions?
- Are there areas where you’ve been tempted to imitate evil instead of good?
- How can you encourage others to walk in goodness and truth?